Romans 1
Video Introduction to the Book of Romans
The City of Rome
Synagogue in the City of Ostia
Romans 2
Synagogue in the City of Ostia
Romans 11
Grafting an Olive Branch
Grafting a Wild Olive Shoot Into the Garden Olive Tree
Romans 13
Taxation
Romans 15
Paul’s Journeys After c. 61 C.E.
Romans 16
Erastus Inscription in Corinth
Synagogue in the City of Ostia
Synagogue in the City of Ostia
Shown here is a photograph of the remains of a synagogue in Ostia, the port city of Rome. Though the building underwent renovation and alteration, the original structure is thought to have been built as a synagogue in the latter half of the first century C.E. The presence of the synagogue indicates that Jews lived in the vicinity of Rome for a long time. Although the Jews were expelled from the city of Rome by Emperor Claudius about the year 49 or 50 C.E., it is possible that Jewish communities remained in the area. (Ac 18:1, 2) After the death of Claudius in 54 C.E., many Jews returned to the city of Rome. When Paul wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome, about the year 56 C.E., the congregation was composed of Jews as well as Gentiles. This explains why Paul addressed matters related to both groups, helping them to see how they could live together in unity.—Ro 1:15, 16.
1. Rome
2. Ostia